Original Research

Beyond Decay: A PUFA Index-Based Cross-Sectional Study of Untreated Dental Caries in Children

Year: 2026
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Pages: 19–28

Authors

Deepak Khandelwal Rishi Tyagi Amit Khatri Namita Kalra Padma Yangdol Chithaluru Pranathi Divya Sharma

Corresponding Author

Dr. Deepak Khandelwal
Associate Professor, Department of Dentistry (Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry Unit)
University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Delhi, India
Email: datsdeepak1609@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Untreated dental caries can negatively impact a child’s overall health, progress, productiveness, academic performance, and oral health related quality of life. The PUFA/pufa index was developed to assess the clinical repercussions of untreated caries, which are not captured by traditional indices like DMFT/dmft. Aim: To assess the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries using the PUFA index among children aged 2–10 years attending a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at a private tertiary hospital. In 250 children aged 2–10 years, dental caries was recorded using the dmft/DMFT index, and clinical consequences of untreated caries were assessed using the PUFA/pufa index through visual examination. Baseline traits were summarized using descriptive statistics; associations were analyzed using chi-square and independent t-tests. Results: In the study, 82.8% of children showed dental caries in primary teeth, compared to 40.5% in permanent teeth. Untreated caries affected 80.0% of primary dentition and 36.9% of permanent dentition as per PUFA scores. Almost 43.4% of primary teeth affected with dental caries had developed pulpal involvement. Conclusion: The PUFA/pufa index provides both qualitative and quantitative insights into the clinical consequences of untreated caries. The findings will support clinical decision-making and public health interventions by providing additional insights alongside the DMFT/dmft index.

Keywords

PUFA, Untreated dental caries, Pulp involvement, Pediatric dentistry

How to Cite This Article

Deepak Khandelwal, Rishi Tyagi, Amit Khatri, Namita Kalra, Padma Yangdol, Chithaluru Pranathi, Divya Sharma. Beyond Decay: A PUFA Index-Based Cross-Sectional Study of Untreated Dental Caries in Children. Int J Pedo Rehab 2026;11(1):19–28.‍ ‍DOI: https://doi.org/10.56501/Intjpedorehab.111.ijped0027